Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Extract is derived from the leaves and stems of the Calendula officinalis plant, also known as Calendula or Marigold. This extract is utilized in cosmetics and skincare products for its beneficial properties, including its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Key Components: The extract contains various active compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), triterpenoids (e.g., saponins), carotenoids (e.g., lutein), and essential oils. These compounds contribute to the extract's efficacy in skincare.
Structure: The chemical structures of these compounds are responsible for the extract's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: The extract is typically a greenish or brownish liquid, depending on the extraction process and concentration.
Odor: It has a mild, herbal fragrance with a subtle floral note.
Solubility: The extract is soluble in various organic solvents and can be incorporated into both oil-based and water-based cosmetic formulations.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The leaves and stems of the Calendula plant are collected at peak maturity to ensure optimal levels of active compounds.
Extraction: The plant material is subjected to extraction using solvents like ethanol or glycerin. Advanced methods such as supercritical CO2 extraction may also be used.
Purification: The extract is purified to remove impurities and concentrate the active components.
Formulation: The purified extract is blended into cosmetic products, including creams, lotions, and serums.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in various skincare products for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning effects. Ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin.
Skincare: Incorporated into formulations to help improve skin texture, reduce redness and inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
Hair Care: Can be included in hair care products to soothe the scalp and condition the hair.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of Calendula leaf/stem extract should be conducted with sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact, including responsible harvesting and eco-friendly extraction methods.
Safety: Generally considered safe for topical use. As with all botanical extracts, it should be used according to established guidelines to prevent potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Safety assessments are advised for new formulations or high concentrations.

INCI Functions:


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84776-23-8 EC number 283-949-5